Interview with Jiro Kawamoto of Urabe Sekkei
We spoke with Jiro Kawamoto, Executive Officer and Director of Urabe Sekkei Co., Ltd., who was involved in planning Kurashiki Architecture Tourism 2025, about this year's highlights and points of interest.
Could you tell us how you came to choose “building renewal” as this year's theme?
Kawamoto (honorific omitted)
As featured in previous editions of Kurashiki Architecture Tourism, a variety of old and new buildings remain around the Bikan Historical Area.
In the 1980s, after the period of rapid economic growth, times changed and it became important to consider how to use existing buildings. Architect Toru Narimura, who was from Kurashiki City, began restoring old houses around the Bikan Historical Area together with fellow architects.
The buildings Narimura worked on became a catalyst for adding new appeal to the town through small-scale extensions and renovations.
We felt that increasing the number of buildings that add new elements while preserving the original structures would be important to the future of the area around the Bikan Historical Area, so we chose “building renewal” as this year's theme.
Could you tell us what has changed or is new since the previous edition (2024)?
Kawamoto
The “memory file,” which we produce in a different color each year, was made with a color scheme chosen to create a bright atmosphere in keeping with this year's theme, “building renewal.”
We chose a slightly light-blue cord to complement the gray cover. For us, this color scheme evokes the idea of old things becoming new.
Another new feature is the bird's-eye view illustration on the back of the “Building Cards.”
Previously, you could enjoy connecting two cards, but this time, because the buildings are close to one another, all five cards can be connected.
One of the charms of the bird's-eye view illustration is that when viewed as a large picture, you can clearly see details of the town, such as people's activities and the cars, so I hope you'll try connecting the cards.
I think you'll also be able to see clearly how the street running north to south along the Kurashiki River and Honmachi Street running east to west, the two main streets, connect.
Is there anything you'd particularly like people to notice during this year's Architecture Tourism event?
Kawamoto
When introducing buildings, it's easy to focus on their exteriors, but this time we've selected buildings whose interiors feel new when you step inside.
So, at first glance, they may seem a little understated, but we'd be happy if you paid close attention to how their exteriors blend into the old streetscape while their interiors have been updated to suit the times.
One thing the buildings introduced this time have in common is that they add new elements while preserving old materials and traditional details.
For example, when renewing buildings, we consciously incorporate elements that were not there before, such as adding a patio (courtyard) to a traditional Japanese building.
Finally, could you share a message for our readers?
Kawamoto
This is a town where Chintaro Urabe built new structures such as the Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel, set an example for building renewal at Kurashiki Ivy Square, and where Narimura has helped preserve the town by restoring its traditional townhouses.
In response to that vision, we are working to renew buildings in the hope that we can help bring new things into the streetscape while respecting its historic buildings and scenery.
We believe that visitors to Kurashiki who take part in Architecture Tourism and learn about its buildings will gain a deeper understanding of the townscape and enjoy a more fulfilling trip.
We'd also be happy if learning about examples of building renewal in Kurashiki encouraged people to take an interest in town planning and the restoration of old houses in their own towns.
From the Writer
Through this year's Architecture Tourism event, I was reminded of the many thoughtful features in the buildings of the Bikan Historical Area that I usually enter without giving them much thought.
Renovations that invite people into townhouses, such as through passageways, patios, and courtyards, make it possible to use not only the “lines” of the main streets but also the “spaces” inside the townhouses, ultimately enhancing the town's appeal.
I thought that walking around town while collecting Building Cards could be enjoyed in different ways: for visitors, as a way to learn more about Kurashiki, and for local residents, as a way to discover something new in familiar surroundings.
Seto Inland Sea Architectural Charter
Finally, in connection with the key phrase that came up repeatedly during the interview, “building renewal that adds new elements to old buildings,” I would like to mention the “Seto Inland Sea Architectural Charter,” announced in 1979 by Chintaro Urabe together with fellow architects Masatsune Matsumura and Tadashi Yamamoto.
Seto Inland Sea Architectural Charter
Protect the environment of the Seto Inland Sea, understand the relationship between the environment and people in the regions that make up the Seto Inland Sea, and value architecture as a medium.
Begin creating and building architecture by valuing people.
To do so, cherish the natural environment of the Seto Inland Sea and create architecture from it.
The environment and architecture must not become detached from one another, nor should architecture stand alone.
Examine the civilization created by our predecessors, understand it, and make it the foundation and stepping stone for progress into the future.
Recognize that the Seto Inland Sea was the cradle of civilization for the Japanese people in the past and present, and also confirm that it was a gateway open to the world.
In other words, while preserving and promoting the civilization of this region, we will open our eyes to the wider world and contribute to humanity through architecture.
September 1979
Chintaro Urabe, Masatsune Matsumura, Tadashi Yamamoto
The pioneer of building renewal in Kurashiki, Chintaro Urabe, had a vision for architecture rooted in the local community that may have been passed down through the years to today's architects.
Kurashiki Architecture Tourism 2025 is held through Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Building renewal that connects to the future, worthy of a culmination of all that has come before. Why not visit while taking a stroll and experience the work of people who carry these ideas forward?
Kurashiki Architecture Tourism 2025 Information
| Name | Kurashiki Architecture Tourism 2025 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 – Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Location | Around the Bikan Historical Area |
| Admission (tax included) | Free (memory file: 500 yen, tax included) * “Building Cards” are distributed free at each facility, but some facilities charge an admission fee to visit their interiors. Please check each facility's website for details. |
| Website | Kurashiki Architecture Tourism 2025 |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
